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The Orlando Magic opened their season in dominant fashion, defeating the Miami Heat 116-97 on the road in a statement win. Paolo Banchero, entering his third season, delivered an All-NBA-caliber performance, finishing with 33 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists. Shooting an efficient 50% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc, Banchero also posted a game-high plus-minus rating of +42, cementing his role as a key figure in the Magic's victory.
Paolo Banchero's record-breaking opener strengthens All-NBA case, joining MJ and Magic greats
Banchero’s impressive stat line not only earned him a place in the record books, but it also further strengthened his case for All-NBA recognition this season. His 33 points, 11 rebounds, zero turnovers, and 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc highlighted his all-around ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.
In doing so, Banchero became the first player since Michael Jordan to record such numbers in a season opener, placing him in exclusive company among basketball's greatest.
Additionally, Banchero joined Magic greats Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady as one of the few players in franchise history to post 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in an opening night game. His standout performance not only solidifies his role as the focal point of the Magic’s offense but also underscores his rapid growth as a versatile threat.
With this performance, Banchero has set the tone for what could be a breakout season, positioning himself as a serious contender for All-NBA honors.
Jalen Suggs and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope lead Magic's defensive clampdown, stifling Jimmy Butler
Defense played a crucial role in Orlando’s victory, providing the backbone for their dominant performance. After allowing 32 points in a shaky first quarter, the Magic quickly regrouped and tightened their defensive efforts, holding the Heat to just 18 points in the third quarter. This turnaround proved critical in shifting the momentum firmly in Orlando’s favor. As a team, they limited Miami to 39% shooting from the field, completely disrupting the Heat’s offensive flow.
The Magic's defensive intensity effectively neutralized Miami’s key players. Jimmy Butler, the Heat’s usual offensive catalyst, was held to a mere three points and five assists in 26 minutes. Orlando’s backcourt duo of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jalen Suggs played a pivotal role in containing Butler. Caldwell-Pope contributed two blocks and a steal, while Suggs added 11 points and a steal, showcasing their impact on both ends of the floor.
In addition to their stifling defense, the Magic capitalized on Miami's mistakes, turning the Heat's 14 turnovers into 19 points. This defensive pressure not only disrupted Miami’s offense but also fueled Orlando’s transition game, creating scoring opportunities and helping the Magic maintain control throughout the game.
Gary Harris shines off the bench with clutch shooting performance
Gary Harris provided a major spark off the bench, scoring 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting from three-point range in just 22 minutes. The Magic, as a team, hit 18 of 49 from beyond the arc, and Harris’s shooting was instrumental in maintaining Orlando’s offensive momentum. After struggling in the playoffs last season as a starter, averaging just 4.2 points on poor shooting percentages, Harris seems to have found a rhythm in his new bench role, offering a reliable scoring option for the Magic’s second unit.
“We lost to this team three times last year so we wanted to come out and make a statement. And we did, together,” Magic’s Gary Harris (18 PTS) said when asked by @kristenmlago about starting the year with a road win at Miami. “We had a lot of fun tonight.”
Full remarks: pic.twitter.com/nqADnfPKjm
— Jason Beede (@therealBeede) October 24, 2024
Reflecting on the victory, Harris stressed the significance of the statement win.
“It’s huge. You know you want to get off to a good start. We knew it was going to be a challenge.” Harris said. “We lost to this team three times last year so we wanted to come out and make a statement. We were all together, helping each other on defense, pushing the pace on offense – we were able to knock down shots and we had a lot of fun tonight.”
Moreover, the Magic’s comprehensive victory, highlighted by Paolo Banchero’s standout performance and their stifling defense, signals the potential for a successful season. As they return to the KIA Center for their home opener against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday, the Magic will look to build on their early momentum and continue their strong start to the season.
